Game of the Month

Game of the Month: October 2005

October was a month when there were so many games that were not just good, they were down right great. Unfortunately, we only pick one winner here at GameSpy and the vote this month ended in two black eyes, a chipped tooth, two broken ribs and an emergency appendectomy. But we finally did come up with a winner. And while it may not be everybody's type of game, it was well-executed nonetheless. And to be honest, you really can't go wrong with any of these games.

In a single real-time strategy game you have Knights exploring the New World, fights with pirates, sweeping Napoleonic battles, and Wild West adventures. Not a bad start. But things get kicked up a notch when you go online. Aside from what is perhaps the perfect in-game multiplayer service, expect some incredible online action.

Age of Empires III may not redefine the real-time strategy genre, but it's significant enough for the elements it brings to the table. For instance, you build and develop your own "Home City" from game to game, giving you unique upgrades to use during battles. And graphically, Age III will reshape your expectations for all strategy games in the years to come. Epic in scope and spectacular in execution, this is one of the year's best for the PC.

Konami's latest 2D title in its illustrious Castlevania series finds its home on the Nintendo DS. Sporting all the excellent gameplay found in the previous GBA and PS2 iterations, players once again assume the role of Soma Cruz and embark on another journey into the world of spooky, creepy creatures of the night. Using the DS' touch screen, players will be now able to use magical seals which are crucial in defeating the game's plentiful bosses.

A new system of imbuing weapons with collectable souls -- snagged from the various critters in the game -- adds a new dimension to the gameplay. It's all in here. Souls, rare items, weapons, and classic exploration. Aside from the new anime look and feel of the characters, this is one of the best Castlevania's so far, so those of you that own DS systems need to check it out.

The producers of ICO have managed to create a masterpiece that matches their previous sleeper title. Shadow of the Colossus is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful titles to grace Sony's hardware. Taking place in a fantasy world in which an unnamed hero goes on a quest to eradicate a race of giant beasts to save a young woman from death, the story goes from enthralling to bittersweet as players progress through missions filled with epic adventure.

As players tackle Colossi with the most primitive of weapons -- a mystical sword and a bow -- they will become sucked into the intense gameplay. The puzzle of the game is finding a Colossus and figuring out how to kill it. It's a simple premise that grows staggeringly complex as the adventure progresses. It's a game that's absolutely worth picking up for any PS2 owner.